<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/broadbeach-qld-4218">Broadbeach</a> offers plenty of reasons to live vertically, but moving from a substantial family home into an apartment can expose the compromises of high-density living. Privacy, room for guests and usable living space tend to matter more when an apartment is intended as a permanent home rather than an occasional coastal base.

A typical residential floor at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-eveleigh-broadbeach-7-9-surf-parade-broadbeach-qld-4218">The Eveleigh</a>, on Surf Parade,&nbsp;contains just four apartments. The 94-residence development by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hirsch-faigen">Hirsch &amp; Faigen</a> is predominantly made up of expansive three-bedroom homes, with a limited collection of half-floor penthouses above.

Across the apartment floors, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a> has used the relatively limited number of residences to give each home greater access to natural light and outlook. Living spaces extend towards full-height glazing, while a series of bay windows frame selected views across the Pacific Ocean, city and hinterland rather than treating the building edge as a continuous wall of glass.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360965]

“The apartment floors deliver a collection of homes that embrace controlled outlook via a series of bay windows deliberately framing moments of view,” Rothelowman Director Kim Lowman said.

From outside, those projecting forms contribute to the tower’s faceted profile. Strong horizontal and vertical elements establish its proportions, while the changing position of the sun alters the light, shadow and reflection across the façade throughout the day.

The same attention moves inside the apartments, where the material palette combines warm timber, natural stone, metallic detailing and softer curved forms. Kitchens sit within the main living zone, with stone island benches, integrated joinery and European appliances, before the living areas extend towards the glazing and the outlook.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360981]

Three genuine bedrooms provide room to accommodate family and guests, while two secure car spaces and storage address some of the practical considerations that can become more noticeable when moving from a larger home. Feedback from the display suite has centred on the warmth and restraint of the interiors, with buyers commenting that the residences feel like homes rather than conventional coastal apartments.

A limited collection of half-floor penthouses occupies the upper levels, increasing the scale of the living spaces and adding private balconies and elevated finishes. From this position, the outlook extends between the ocean and hinterland.

Outside the private residences, The Eveleigh separates its shared spaces between the podium and rooftop. The podium is centred on wellness, with subtropical landscaping surrounding a swimming pool and pool terrace, yoga garden, private gymnasium, sauna and hot and cold plunge facilities. Landscaped retreats and pavilions provide additional places to sit away from the main recreation areas.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360966]

Higher in the building, a rooftop pavilion and private dining suite sit alongside resident lounge, barbecue and outdoor dining areas, opening towards panoramic views across the ocean, city and hinterland.

“Buyers are no longer just looking for an apartment, but a lifestyle where they can relax, reset, and enjoy a balanced way of living,” Hirsch &amp; Faigen Director of Sales Matt George said.

Interest to date has come from established owner-occupiers and interstate lifestyle purchasers, including buyers planning a future move to the Gold Coast. Many are coming from larger homes and want to reduce ongoing maintenance without giving up space for family and guests, privacy, two car spaces or the ability to entertain at home.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=149670 project_image_fid=360969]

Much of that daily life can also take place beyond the building without requiring a drive. Kurrawa Beach and Pratten Park are an easy walk from Surf Parade, while Pacific Fair, Oracle Boulevard, The Oasis, restaurants, cafés, entertainment and public transport are also within walking distance.

The Eveleigh is Hirsch &amp; Faigen's fourth Gold Coast development since entering the market in 2021, following The Hemingway at Palm Beach, The Emerson at Kirra and Yves at Mermaid Beach. Each of the preceding projects sold out before completion.

“Broadbeach had been on our radar throughout our time operating on the Gold Coast,” the developer said. “Following our projects in Palm Beach, Kirra and Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach represented the natural next step for the business.”

The Surf Parade site brought together proximity to the beach, protected coastal outlooks and walkability to dining, shopping and recreation. Hirsch &amp; Faigen also identified the street as an emerging premium residential address, with enough separation from Broadbeach's busier destinations to retain a quieter environment at home.

The Eveleigh is now under construction by Maxcon, with completion forecast for mid-2028. Three-bedroom residences are currently available from $2.87 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=149670]

Joel Robinson

The Eveleigh brings house-like apartments to Broadbeach

A long-stalled Campbelltown development site is back in play, with new plans for 139 apartments set to supersede a mixed-use scheme approved almost a decade ago but never built.

The new proposal for 28 Cordeaux Street would deliver 116 market and 23 affordable apartments in a part 14-storey building, bringing a substantial new project into a Campbelltown market where new apartment supply remains limited.

Plans have been filed over the 3,092 sqm corner site at Moore-Oxley Street, around 600 metres from Campbelltown Railway Station and the city-centre retail core.

The site already carries a mixed-use residential approval dating to 2016. Doroch Architects has now been engaged on a larger replacement scheme, which is progressing as a State Significant Development Application following a Housing Delivery Authority determination in August 2025.

The apartment mix comprises 39 one-bedroom, 72 two-bedroom and 28 three-bedroom residences. Two-bedroom apartments make up just over half of the project, while three-bedroom homes account for 20 per cent.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="136dd5b9-3791-4da6-9e31-76f533f5b4de" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da2.png?VersionId=LgOSy9nwf5u.MGswBBwaGGxuX8QpHSl_" />

Of the 139 apartments, 23 will be delivered as affordable housing under the in-fill affordable housing provisions of the Housing SEPP. The affordable component represents 15 per cent of the residential gross floor area and will be managed by a registered Community Housing Provider.

Doroch has sought to break the scale of the building into two distinct elements, with a masonry podium of around four storeys establishing the street edge before the residential tower steps back above.

The corner position has shaped that approach. Cordeaux Street faces toward the commercial and civic centre, while Moore-Oxley Street leads into the lower-scale residential neighbourhood to the south, and the design verification report describes the site as "bridging the commercial core to the north and established residential areas to the south."

The podium will be expressed predominantly in face brick, while the upper levels shift to brushed and grooved concrete cladding with darker metal detailing. Recessed sections, deep balcony edges and landscaping break down the upper form, with an approximately 11.8-metre setback to the northern boundary addressing the adjoining St Peters Anglican School.

<img alt="First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8b3d2d3-c561-4bfc-a5d9-a68c0c10dac1" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Campbelltown%20da1.png?VersionId=AeAEyJU02Gk2k5noUj2StziCvdQ7fW4B" />

Campbelltown has been starved of new residential developments in the last decade.

The only other notable development set to come to market this year is ALAND's Queen Square, a mixed-use precinct on over two hectares that will comprise apartments above a vibrant ground-level retail and hospitality dining precinct.

First look: New 139-apartment plans revive long-stalled Campbelltown city centre site

First Look: Sherlock Construction pitches apartments for low-rise Deception Bay

Queensland builder-developer MAYD has revealed the first look at its major North Kirra beachfront development, lodging amended plans that reduce the number of apartments and increase the proportion of larger residences.

The project is planned across a substantial 4,742 sqm amalgamated site spanning seven lots at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/2-6-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">2-6 Pacific Parade</a> and 27-33 Golden Four Drive in Bilin​ga, directly opposite Nor​th Kirra Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mayd-group">MAYD</a> secured the site for $32.5 million in 2025, in what was one of the Gold Coast's largest property transactions of the year.

The development will be delivered across two stages, with the first stage carrying an estimated gross realisation value of around $360 million.

The latest amendments seek to reduce the overall apartment count and shift the project further toward the owner-occupier market, with larger residences designed for buyers wanting considerably more space than traditionally offered in a beachfront apartment.

The residential mix will include townhomes, oversized two-bedroom apartments, substantial three-bedroom residences and four-bedroom homes.

MAYD has appointed Cera Stribley to lead the architecture and interiors, with the Melbourne-based design practice drawing on the beachfront setting through a series of ocean-facing terraces and heavily landscaped balconies.

Strong horizontal forms and curved balconies will define the exterior, with subtropical landscaping integrated throughout the building to soften the built form and increase the connection between the residences and the beachfront.

The project will also include an extensive collection of resident wellness and lifestyle facilities, continuing the broader shift across the Gold Coast's luxury apartment market toward larger homes supported by resort-style amenity.

<img alt="MAYD" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d1bcbb05-e659-4b47-8bd4-1e595315e2ad" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-08-27%20at%202.05.03%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=jj0XEud1X1DuLt7_KyElhjMdZGOXmLHP" />

MAYD Founder Todd Mould said North Kirra was increasingly appealing to buyers attracted to the more established, lower-density character of the southern Gold Coast.

"North Kirra presents one of the most compelling luxury residential opportunities currently emerging in Australia, combining absolute beachfront with the character and authenticity that buyers are increasingly seeking, and the same sense of tight-knit community that defined Burleigh and Currumbin perhaps 10 or 15 years ago," Mould said.

"With Gold Coast Airport on its doorstep, it also offers a level of accessibility that broadens its appeal across almost every market demographic."

The project comes as the southern Gold Coast continues to attract an increasing share of high-end apartment development and buyer activity.

Kirra in particular has emerged as one of the region's more tightly held beachfront markets, with its relatively low-density character, established surf and hospitality scene and proximity to Gold Coast Airport differentiating it from the higher-density markets further north.

Mould said those characteristics had informed the approach MAYD and Cera Stribley had taken to the project.

"We've worked closely with Cera Stribley to create a vision that is deeply connected to its surroundings," he said.

"Inspired by the coastline itself, the architecture has been shaped around space, privacy and resort-style living, creating a collection of homes that reflects the next generation of luxury on the southern Gold Coast."

MOTIV Managing Director Carly Cottam, who has been appointed to market the project, said buyer attention had continued to move south along the Gold Coast.

"Purchasers who may once have defaulted to Broadbeach, Main Beach or Surfers Paradise are increasingly recognising the value of a genuine beachfront location that offers lower density, strong amenity and a more established sense of community," Cottam said.

"Kirra has a powerful combination of growing demand and genuine scarcity. Beachfront supply is inherently constrained, the area remains relatively low density, and buyers are increasingly placing a premium on locations that feel established, uncrowded and authentic rather than heavily developed."

Cottam said the proximity to Gold Coast Airport was also proving increasingly important for interstate and second-home buyers.

"Being minutes from Gold Coast Airport makes it particularly compelling for interstate buyers, frequent travellers and second-home purchasers who can access an authentic coastal lifestyle almost immediately after stepping off a flight."

The acquisition takes MAYD's active development portfolio to more than $500 million, with the North Kirra project representing one of its largest undertakings to date.

MAYD is targeting an early 2027 launch.

First look at MAYD's North Kirra mixed-use precinct

<main data-perf-region="main">
Castle Hill, the longtime hub of the Hills District, has been one of the major beneficiaries of Sydney's Metro expansion, with improved connectivity helping drive continued population growth, development and buyer demand across the Hills District.

But despite that growth, the suburb has seen relatively few major new apartment projects brought to market over the past 18 months.

Hills District developer Reve Group is looking to fill that gap with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nova-r-ve-castle-hill-2-garthowen-crescent-castle-hill-nsw-2154">Nova Rêve</a>, a major new mixed-use precinct on the corner of Garthowen Crescent and Old Castle Hill Road, a short walk from Castle Hill Metro Station and Castle Towers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377679]

The project will comprise three residential towers alongside a hotel, restaurants, cafes and a skybar, more than 1,600 sqm of ground-floor retail and almost an acre of landscaped gardens.

It represents the largest project undertaken by Reve Group, the development arm of the Kassis family, which has been building across the Hills District for more than 30 years through Kassis Homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377675]

Nova Rêve also represents a significant step up from the family's first apartment development, Grand Rêve, which was delivered nearby on Garthowen Crescent.

Grand Rêve introduced larger, house-like apartment layouts and premium inclusions including Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances to the Castle Hill market.

Nova Rêve takes that approach to a precinct scale, combining the residential component with hospitality, retail and substantial public and resident landscaping.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377685]

Reve Group Managing Director Sam Kassis said the project reflected the family's three decades of building in the Hills, which has evolved from trophy homes on quarter-acre blocks to larger-scale apartment development.

"Grand Rêve was our first apartment project here and it showed us what this pocket of Castle Hill could be. Nova Rêve is the refinement of that idea: not just apartments, but a place the whole suburb can use," Kassis said.

A key part of that approach is the hotel, which has been designed to operate as an amenity for the wider Castle Hill community rather than solely hotel guests.

It will include restaurants, cafes, skybars and all-day dining, alongside conference and event facilities catering to business functions, community groups and private events.

At ground level, more than 1,600 sqm of shops and cafes will open onto the surrounding streets and landscaped areas.

Almost an acre of gardens designed by Land and Form Studios will run through the precinct, incorporating pathways, seating, barbecue areas and children's play spaces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=152737 project_image_fid=377680]

Reve Group's Romio Georges said creating an active ground plane had been central to the planning of Nova Rêve.

"There are gardens with pathways, barbecues, seating and play areas, shops and cafes opening onto the street, and a hotel with restaurants and a skybar that anyone in Castle Hill can walk into," Georges said.

The project's elevated position on one of Sydney's highest ridgelines will also provide apartments with outlooks toward the Sydney skyline, surrounding parkland and the Blue Mountains.

More than 80 per cent of the apartments will occupy corner positions, with Turner responsible for both the architecture and interiors.

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=152737]

<h3 data-end="3697" data-section-id="q3n5ak" data-start="3672">&nbsp;</h3>
</main>

Nova Rêve arrives as Reve Group bets on Castle Hill's next growth phase

Underquoting

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
The NSW Baird Government’s recent ‘blitz’ on real estate agents , and specifically underquoting, is political grandstanding of the highest order.
By their own admission there were only 82 complaints to NSW Fair trading last year on under quoting – coming from over 200,000 property transactions.
All this in a rising market where it is extremely difficult to very accurately price property based on historical comparable sales.
The current Fair Trading Minister and Premier Baird should be consulting with the industry to arrive at the best long term solutions rather than their current actions obviously designed to win a few more votes. If they are serious about taking appropriate action to avoid any possibility of underquoting there are three steps they should take;
<ul>
<li>Eliminate the growing trend of ‘offers from’. This does no favours for the real estate industry, frustrates consumers and gives the impression the agent hasn’t a clue on assessing the value of a property. Traditionally, there are three main methods of sale – private treaty with a firm asking price; public auction and tender or expressions of interest , both methods, with a firm deadline and a concealed price. The government should insist on one of these 3 methods being employed by agents with no mention of price in an auction or tender process. 
</li>
<li>The NSW government and the Real Estate Institute should be heavily promoting buyers agents in every transaction. This would mean all purchasers had professional representation in the transaction thereby eliminating disputes surrounding price levels, gazumping and the general belief that ,an agent being paid by the vendor, is also acting for the purchaser. This initiative would almost entirely eliminate disputes and ensure a purchaser had advice on market research, price levels, buying strategies and professional negotiating. 
</li>
<li>Increase the education requirements for agent licensing. It is now well documented that the current education requirements are at their lowest levels in NSW history . The entry requirements must be increased and preferably aligned to the best education levels of other States. In addition, the Continuing Professional Development rules should be modified to being less prescriptive and broaden the annual learning requirements.</li>
</ul>
The government’s current actions where they recently ‘raided’ numerous agents in the Sutherland Shire and announced a blitz on under quoting has to be seen very cynically so close to an election. It is akin to taking a chainsaw to a small bonsai plant.
Tony Brasier is managing director of <a href="https://www.prdnationwide.com.au/" target="_blank">PRDnationwide</a>.
</body></html>

po-LsXgBTHBmX

Baird's underquoting blitz just political grandstanding: Tony Brasier

<html><body>
If the topic of underquoting and misleading advertising wasn’t so serious, the <a href="/expert-insights/buying/smart-gimmicky-1-blacktown-reserve-valentines-day-auction-sells-for-565-000">Valentines Day $1 auction campaign</a> would make a great comedy screenplay.
At a moment of reflection, I ponder which actors would suit the roles of the Premier calling for industry reform, or the CEO of the REINSW as well as the <a href="https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/ftw/About_us/News_and_events/Media_releases/2015_media_releases/20150315_sydney_agents_to_face_claims.page" target="_blank">agents facing allegations of underquoting</a>.
It’s time I believe we unravel the possible motives behind the Valentines Day $1 auction. Was it worth the trouble and who paid the ultimate price?
As I discuss the outcome of the auction with industry groups, we feel that there are now more questions than answers. These are questions that are now being asked of the real estate industry (REI) as a whole now that the dust has finally settled.
<h3>The facts as we see it</h3>
<ul>
<li>First marketing campaign: Sale by private treaty</li>
</ul>
 
<img src="/images/2015/03/25/230_blacktown_sale-by-private-treaty-offers-above570K-copy.jpg" alt="">
Source: CoreLogic RP Data
On or about November-December 2014, the home was advertised as "private treaty sale” for offers over $560,000, to offers over $570,000.
The records procured from CoreLogic are significant. At the very least, these records, I feel, evidence the real price sought by the vendor and the agent. It may also assist, to help clarify their true intentions. Other sites tell the same story.
Information provided above, also obtained from another free to access website. A site property buyers should frequent: onthehouse.com.au. The graph shows the advertising pattern of the property's marketing campaign.
<ul>
<li>New campaign: Sale by auction $1 reserve</li>
</ul>
<img src="/images/2015/03/25/onthehouse_notice-of-sale-and-advertising.jpg" alt="">
<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/sold/house/nsw/blacktown/?adid=2011564208&amp;sp=1" target="_blank">A new campaign, and a newly devised strategy, is concocted</a> to create interest among the general public and the media. On this note, I take my hat off to the parties; a strategy that didn’t even "personally offend" the CEO of the REINSW.
<img src="/images/2015/03/25/valentines-day-auction-tim-McGibbin.jpg" alt="">
However, a strategy that only served one purpose, to lure a crowd of potential bidders that were never going to get a bargain. Buyers that invested time and money and made an emotional investment, under the belief that they would get a bargain.
<ul>
<li>
The outcome: <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/sold/house/nsw/blacktown/?adid=2011564208&amp;sp=1" target="_blank" style="font-size: 12.1599998474121px; line-height: 1.3em;">Sold at auction $565,000</a>
</li>
</ul>
The property sells for $565,000. Bring out the marching band, drums and all. The vendor and the agent can now get some sleep and stop biting their nails.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the fence, innocent buyers walk away with greater cynicism about the REI. This is on top of walking away with a financial hole in their wallets, one to match their unchanged perceptions of the REI.
"Hey! You weren’t going to buy it for '$2 bucks mate', stop your whinging," is the taunt from the industry, while the agents and auctioneers beat their chests after so-called achievements of 20%-30% prices above reserves throughout Sydney.
On the contrary , I personally encourage you to keep complaining about what just happened. You got ripped off, conned and all recorded on National TV, to remind you in future. There should be an entrenched pathway already, leading to the Premier's office, to voice your complaints.
You took the time and organised; pest and building inspections, sought legal advice and invested time and emotion. All this on the belief a bargain was to be had.
After all, you’re a reasonable person and all you expected was a reasonable chance, a fair crack of the whip. Like the magic cures and elixir sales of yesteryears, all you got was conned.
Who will repay you for time lost and money spent? Well, you did perhaps get to see your face on national TV. Perhaps, both the agent and vendor think this is good enough?
<ul>
<li>Cost to the industry:</li>
</ul>
I don’t believe there will be a substantive cost to the REI at all. Here's why:
First reason: <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/premier-mike-baird-pledges-crackdown-on-real-estate-agents-who-underquote-no-fines-issued-since-2004/story-fni0cx12-1227251897133" target="_blank" style="font-size: 12.1599998474121px; line-height: 1.3em;">No auction campaign that stoops into under-quoting has been prosecuted in the last 10 years</a>. It's become a free for all. The agents get paid their commission regardless, the vendors get to see a crowd being spurred on by emotion. Happy days for the REI.
Second reason:
<ul>
<li>Will you personally sell your own home now, and not use an agent?</li>
<li>Will you now terminate the agency agreements with the current agents that are selling your home?</li>
<li>Will you stop attending auctions?</li>
<li>Most of all, will you stop looking to buy?</li>
</ul>
I can say with all confidence, no you won't. Therefore, there is no cost that will hurt the REI as much as it will hurt you.
<ul>
<li>Cost to the Real Estate Agent:</li>
</ul>
Apart from further sleepless nights now that Fair Trading NSW is on the war path, the thought of being investigated and the thought of not keeping the commission may be all that is lost for now.
Perhaps more sleepless nights will become pertinent, should Mr Baird step in and make his words felt and act on the deception and misrepresentation. Direct action that should stem from industry conduct that cost the public dearly. Shameful conduct, to warrant clawing back the commission earned at the expense of many innocent buyers that attended the $1 auction.
<ul>
<li>Cost to the vendor:</li>
</ul>
A bit of time, a little more vendor paid advertising perhaps? Unfortunately time wasted may be all the vendor loses at this point.
Hopefully, the vendor too is losing sleep after misleading the public with this fiasco of a campaign. Or will he?
Well, maybe and one can only hope as it may be a fitful ending to the comedy screenplay, should the agent end his dialog with: <a href="https://news.domain.com.au/domain/real-estate-news/underquoting-real-estate-agents-have-nowhere-to-hide-if-they-break-the-law-20150316-1m0amu" target="_blank">“the vendor made me do it”, as the agent faces the Tribunal</a>.
A further token reward, would be for the vendor to face the Tribunal and be fined. We can only once again corss our fingers and see.
Should we hold our breath? <a href="https://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/psabar2014476/sch1" target="_blank">Will the law be enforced? </a>
<ul>
<li>What can we learn from this?</li>
</ul>
Many agents and the general public are not aware that just about everything in relation to property is stored. From advertising to sales figures and even as far as mortgage holder's records. It is collected, collated and stored for various reasons.
Property valuers use the stored information to set their estimates. Banking institutions and government bodies use this information for research and other purposes to suit their needs. Yes, we the REI use these figures to compare prices and check sales history and put together market appraisals.
With some websites, we incur charges to obtain more information than what the general public sees. Others sites like, onthehouse.com.au also have good insights, and for free, but this information may take time to source. However, the paid for sites will deliver information at a glance.
Unfortunately, the governing and licencing bodies, such as Fair Trading NSW, are just understaffed and overworked already and lack the resources to research all the sales as we do. Our estimate is that there are 23,000 registered selling REAs in NSW. To police most of the transactions will be a monumental task.
If the Premier wants to get serious about his promises in this area, he needs to look closely at the root issue of Fair Trading NSW being understaffed.
Now there are lies and there are real estate auction campaigns. Some would say both are the same, just packaged in different wrapping.
I can only sit back and wait for some of my peers to try and convince me otherwise.
EDWIN ALMEIDA is licensee in charge of <a href="https://www.just-thin.com.au/" target="_blank">Just Think Real Estate</a>.<a href="https://www.just-thin.com.au/"> </a>
He is also the creator of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JustThinkProperty" target="_blank">Oz Real Estate.TV</a> and a presenter for <a href="https://propertyinvestingvault.com/" target="_blank">propertyinvestingvault.com</a>.
</body></html>

ealmedia-arK4DBYLjS

Lies and real estate auction campaigns: Edwin Almeida

<html><body>
The chief cause of underquoting, according to the president of the Real Estate ­Institute of NSW Malcolm Gunning, was agents being “lured” into under quoting by home owners with unrealistic expectations.
“I think vendors think they know more than the agents at this stage,” Gunning told The Sunday Telegraph, adding that television shows were contributing to the situation.
Gunning added agents think they have to get a crowd.
“If I get a crowd I’ll get competition and someone will fall in love with the house and get it towards that price the vendor wants. That’s why agents under quote, it’s the by-­product,” he said.
He also claimed the industry watchdog was at fault, allowing agent education levels to slip to their lowest ever.
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

Greedy vendors the main underquoting cause: REINSW 

<html><body>
“Price it low, watch it go” is another real estate industry (REI) mantra. It's a saying that is more prevalent among real estate agents (REA) that heavily promote auction campaigns. 
And it's a mantra that is more damaging than the one I wrote about before: <a href="https://www.edwinalmeida.com/blog/real-estate-buyers-are-liars-vendors-are-cheats" target="_blank" style="font-size: 12.1599998474121px; line-height: 1.3em;">“buyers are liars and vendors are cheats”</a>.
For years now, I have been very vocal about "underquoting" with respect to the damage and aftermath it causes among well-intending buyers. Damages and costs are being borne by purchasers in the form of emotional expenditure and financial burden.
Yet agents and auctioneers are well aware, some are even well entrenched, in the seemingly unlawful use of deceptive and tactical advertising to draw a bigger crowd. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lie-lies-real-estate-property-auction-campaigns-edwin-almeida" target="_blank">This illusion and make-believe</a>, created by the REA’s to convince buyers the property will sell at a low price.
A crowd drawn by the notion of low pricing, creates in the potential buyers mind, a greater sense of urgency. A belief of missing out if they don’t attend and bid. Consequently, the fear of missing out and the competition on the day spurs on emotional bidding, rather than rational common sense, placing people in financial over commitment.
The industry makes admissions, why not listen?
I have had a few chats over coffee with my peers, both REA’s and auctioneers, and I can categorically and emphatically say my peers have admitted that this practise goes on and the affect it has on buyers is well known. In fact both camps will go as far as saying that it is wrong, but simultaneously, question my reasoning and my hard line stand on this topic. Yet, in public view, the REI seems to believe it is “squeaky-clean”. A thought perhaps <a href="https://news.domain.com.au/domain/real-estate-news/agent-underquoting-in-government-crosshairs-20140426-37ax9" target="_blank">far removed from John McGraths mind?</a>
I have been accused of not playing the game, “bagging the industry that pays me” and even as far as turning my back on the industry. Why? All because, when rogue auctioneers and REAs beat their chests in glory for achieving 20 to 25% over the reserve, I question their initial price guides given to the buyers. Price guides that were well below their figures achieved on the day. Once you add the true difference, the figures show more of a 30% separation from values given (i.e. price guides), to those actually achieved on the day of the auction.
I hope for the sake of the REI, <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/premier-mike-baird-pledges-crackdown-on-real-estate-agents-who-underquote-no-fines-issued-since-2004/story-fni0cx12-1227251897133" target="_blank">Mr Baird’s campaign to address this cancerous practice of underquoting</a> isn’t a political stunt. I hope it doesn’t fizzle in the desert of forgotten political promises like the one in our sister state of Victoria.
Where are the heavyweights - Where are our guardians? 
In all this, where are the so called heavyweights - the guardians of the REI both in NSW and Victoria? It appears that one of the institute bodies has become mute on the subject matter altogether. Particularly after its long support of <a href="https://news.domain.com.au/domain/real-estate-news/reiv-forced-by-members-to-address-political-involvement-20150310-13zrc7" target="_blank">political campaigning in Victoria</a>.
Perhaps, both the REIV and REINSW are more entertained with the notion and ambition of their pursuits in politics than they are in the dubious and borderline behaviour of its members. Or is their lack of action stemming from fear of losing membership support? Clean up the membership base; I’ll remain a member and so will the majority.
Ironically, <a href="https://www.reinsw.com.au/imis15_prod/web/Posts/Promoted_Latest_News/REINSW_CEO_explains_reason_behind_real_estate_political_party.aspx" target="_blank">Tim McKibbin’s explanation of the reasons behind the REINSW’s political pursuits</a> has some of the merit required to introduce positive changes to the REI. Changes that will only begin when the REINSW cleans out its own house before trying to sweep the streets.
Here are some suggestions to creating notable policy for the political branch the REI NSW desires:
<ul>
<li>Deregister from REINSW membership; agents and agencies that are practicing underquoting. 
</li>
<li>Push for the introduction of pest and building inspection reports to form part of the contract of sale. 
</li>
<li>Push for the introduction of independent valuations to form part of the contracts of sale.</li>
</ul>
What will it take for the awful taste underquoting leaves in buyers' mouths to be controlled and eradicated once and for all?
Most definitely, the answer is not going down the path of the REI's being converted into political parties. We can only wait and see if the REIQ got it right.
For more property discussions join me on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/justthink1" target="_blank">@justthink1</a>and you can contact me on <a href="https://www.edwinalmeida.com/" target="_blank">edwinalmeida.com</a>. 
EDWIN ALMEIDA is licensee in charge of <a href="https://www.just-thin.com.au/" target="_blank">Just Think Real Estate</a>.<a href="https://www.just-thin.com.au/"> </a>
He is also the creator of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JustThinkProperty" target="_blank">Oz Real Estate.TV</a> and a presenter for <a href="https://propertyinvestingvault.com/" target="_blank">propertyinvestingvault.com</a>.
</body></html>

What will it take to eradicate underquoting for good? Edwin Almeida

<html><body>
RealAs advised 80% of home auctions in metropolitan Melbourne suburbs were "underquoted" in February 2015 with buyer price guidance.
Box Hill South had the biggest gap between estate agent price guidance and the final auction selling price.
The realAs website alleges Victoria holds the title as the worst underquoting state in Australia.
<table style="width: 460px;">
<colgroup>
<col width="22">
<col width="150">
<col width="90">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
 
</td>
<td>
Top 10 VIC gaps
</td>
<td>
Sold Price vsAgent Quote
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
1
</td>
<td>
Box Hill South
</td>
<td>
32%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2
</td>
<td>
Bulleen
</td>
<td>
31%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
3
</td>
<td>
Templestowe Lower
</td>
<td>
30%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
4
</td>
<td>
Burwood
</td>
<td>
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
Armadale
</td>
<td>
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
6
</td>
<td>
Carlton North
</td>
<td>
29%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
7
</td>
<td>
Doncaster
</td>
<td>
28%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
8
</td>
<td>
Burwood East
</td>
<td>
28%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
9
</td>
<td>
Caulfield South
</td>
<td>
27%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
10
</td>
<td>
Carnegie
</td>
<td>
27%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
 
</td>
<td>
Source: realAs.com
</td>
<td>
  
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The realAs.com price predictions website was co-founded by Australia’s first buyers’ advocate, David Morrell.
</body></html>

Box Hill South agents can't get their price estimates close to auction results: realAs

<html><body>
Strong Sydney weekend auction results included 1 Stansell Street, Gladesville (pictured above) which sold at $2.85 million through Paul Tassone &amp; Ahmad Malas of Professionals Ermington.
Auctioneer Rob Trovato of Auction Services saw a huge crowd of around 300 people with 28 registered bidders for the small cottage nestled between a unit block and a service station.
I<a href="https://www.domain.com.au/property/sold/house/nsw/gladesville/?adid=2011759011" target="_blank">t had a zoning of R4 Mixed Use</a> for its 714 square metre holding.
There were reports the property - described as a highly sought after opportunity in the marketing - sold at $1.1 million above the out of line reserve to a developer who plans to rent it out before eventually redeveloping the site.
Even before Saturday's auction, Gladesville agents were having serious issues with getting their pre-auction price estimates close to final sale price.
February results saw Gladesville top the list across Sydney in February when they studied price guidance against sold price.
RealAs advised 60% of home auctions in metropolitan Sydney suburbs were "underquoted" in February 2015 with buyer price guidance.
<table style="width: 460px;">
<colgroup>
<col width="22">
<col width="150">
<col width="90">
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td>
Top 10 NSW gaps
</td>
<td>
Sold Price vs
Agent Quote
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
1
</td>
<td>
Gladesville
</td>
<td>
28%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
2
</td>
<td>
Ryde
</td>
<td>
23%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
3
</td>
<td>
Marsfield
</td>
<td>
21%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
4
</td>
<td>
Cammeray
</td>
<td>
20%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
5
</td>
<td>
Wahroonga
</td>
<td>
18%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
6
</td>
<td>
Carlingford
</td>
<td>
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
7
</td>
<td>
Balmain
</td>
<td>
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
8
</td>
<td>
Beecroft
</td>
<td>
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
9
</td>
<td>
Manly
</td>
<td>
16%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
10
</td>
<td>
Lilyfield
</td>
<td>
15%
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td> </td>
<td>
Source: realAs.com
</td>
<td> </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
The site said low price guidance wasted home buyers’ time, money and causes heart ache.
"Home buyers and property investors spend their time attending open for inspections and auctions, money on building inspections, legal fees and rental appraisals only to have their hearts broken on auction day when their dream home sells for way higher than what their budget allowed," realAs director Josh Rowe said.
The New South Wales Government has said it will crack down on underquoting behaviour.  
</body></html>

Gladesville price quotes at way below actual selling prices: realAs

<html><body>
Two prominent Sydney real estate industry operatives and authors, Peter O'Malley and Neil Jemnan, have seized on the underquoting reforms signalled by the NSW government to highlight their trenchant opposition to the auction system.
Peter O'Malley says if the Baird government actually policed under quoting by estate agents, "it will cruel the auction system".
"The auction system relies on under quoting," Peter O'Malley tweeted.
Overquoting to sellers and underquoting to buyers was at epidemic proportions nationally, according Jenman.
"Thousands of agents do it!," he tweeted.
The anti-auction campaigner added that many buyers so detest auctions, they won't even inspect homes for auction.
"So, if you're selling, don't lose buyers by auctioning your home," he suggests.
"Yes, you can get a high price with auction but you rarely get the highest price."
Jeman also added at least 80% of money spent on real estate ads is needless.
"Sellers are ripped-off," he said adding the newspapers stay silent as they need the money.
He revealed one "big" agent admitted that the kickbacks he got from newspapers on sellers' advertising money paid the lease payments on his flash car.
Victorian estate agent John Keating, who believes in reserve prices disclosed during auction marketing, commented the call for real estate auction rules reform to stop the insidious practice of underquoting should be coming from within the profession and be a bipartisan political issue.
"Stopping underquoting would be welcomed by nearly everyone from first home buyers to the Reserve Bank - except perhaps some rogue estate agents," Keating said.
"Rogue agents, many of whom have very high profiles and systemically deceive buyers with underquoting, bring the trustworthiness of all estate agents into disrepute."
</body></html>

Under and overquoting agents at epidemic proportions: Jenman and O'Malley seize the issue

<html><body>
The Sunday Telegraph has revealed that NSW Fair Trading has accused the BresicWhitney agency of advertising two auction properties — in Double Bay and in Surry Hill — at prices below estimates that were given to sellers in written agreements.
The agency only learnt of the court action on Friday night and was yet to decide whether it would defend the claims, but accepts it needs to ensure future compliance.
The consumer watchdog will reveal its case in the Parramatta Local Court later this month.
The more serious price discrepancy alleged was at Double Bay, where the publicly published price guidance reputedly did not match the private agency agreement documentation in the office paperwork.
The Murilla apartment at <a href="https://www.bresicwhitney.com.au/buy/543-545-new-south-head-road-double-bay-9956" target="_blank">62/543-545 New South Head Road</a> had a reported price guide of over $1.5 million last November, but Fair Trading investigations revealed the selling price estimate in the agency agreement at the low end of $1.6 million.
The late 1950s, A.M. Bolot-designed, company title apartment (below) was reported in the Wentworth Courier as sold for $1.79 million (and at $1.76 million by the Sunday Telegraph) through agent Walter Burfitt-Williams. The three bedroom sub-penthouse had 176 square metres space in the eight storey block above Redleaf Pool at the corner of New South Head and Victoria roads. The previous time it was marketed for sale was in 1989.
<img src="/images/2015/03/16/oduble-bay-march-16-one.jpg" alt="">
When contacted by The Sunday Telegraph cost of living editor, John Rolfe, before its front page splash, Walter Burfitt-Williams said: “The owner gave us instructions.”
At Surry Hills an 1890s terrace house at <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-nsw-surry+hills-118276043" target="_blank">14 Collins Street</a> was advertised last November with a price guide of over $1.05 million, but the estimate in the agency agreement was $1.1 to $1.2 million. The guidance was lifted from $1,025,000 during the marketing campaign.
The two bedroom terrace (below) actually sold for $1.07 million through Nic Krasnostein, so it appears, with benefit of hindsight, he may have been overly ambitious in his pitch to the vendor. It sold to an investor who sought to rent it out at $850 a week. It had previously sold at $610,000 in 2005.
<img src="/images/2015/03/16/surry%20hills%20mar%2016%20one.jpg" alt="">
The prosecutions are the third in a decade.
“We believe we’ve found evidence to prove the agent has under quoted,” Commissioner Rod Stowe told The Sunday Telegraph who published a Warren cartoon too.
<img src="/images/2015/03/16/cartoon%20march%2016.jpg" alt="">
Source: Sunday Telegraph
<a href="/news/sydney-agency-under-fair-trading-investigation-for-underquoting">Last December, Property Observer reported p</a><a href="/news/sydney-agency-under-fair-trading-investigation-for-underquoting">ossible underquoting activity</a> from an undisclosed agency was under investigation.
Operation Balaya, an investigation specifically developed to look at real estate compliance, was launched on agencies operating in the inner-city.
 Officers were also checking licences, certificates, current continuing professional development, professional indemnity insurance and current and past financial year qualified audits.
“During its inspections, NSW Fair Trading identified certain information that requires further investigation to establish whether or not representations made by a real estate agency in relation to a number of recent sales were misleading,” the Minister for Fair Trading Matthew Mason-Cox said.
“Agents who engaged in this illegal practice could face a maximum penalty of $22,000 or depending on the severity of the breaches an agency could have its license cancelled.”
The NSW Premier Mike Baird recently elevated the issue into an election policy.
<div>
NSW estate agents were reminded last weekend that they must tell buyers the same price guidance estimate they have given to their vendors.
Depending on the success of his re-election, Baird has vowed to crackdown on price underquoting… and overquoting too.
<a href="/expert-insights/investing/estate-agent-commissions-to-be-at-risk-as-nsw-premier-mike-baird-seeks-house-price-underquoting-review">Not only fines</a>, but also the loss of sale commissions for any such sale where there is intentional false feedback.
Property Observer gleans the genesis of the policy was when the Mason‐Cox was quoted a price on a Sydney unit, only for him to discover it sold for 25% more a few days later. 
There has, however, not been a fine on an agent for underquoting since 2004 when an agent was fined more than $14,000 by NSW Fair Trading. In 2008 another agent was disqualified from holding a licence for five years for underquoting, The Daily Telegraph reported.
</div>
"There are some agents that bend the rules and waste everyone's time," Baird said.
"The practice of underquoting has to end."
"This is aimed at those who advertise a price that they know is not fair value for a property."
</body></html>

NSW Fair Trading prosecutes Double Bay and Surry Hills auction price underquoting allegations

<html><body>
Possible underquoting activity from an agency in Sydney is under investigation, according to NSW Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason-Cox.
Operation Balaya, an investigation specifically developed to look at real estate compliance, was launched last month. The operation included intelligence gathering to look for underquoting.
The investigation was on agencies operating in the inner-city and Haymarket area. Officers checked licences, certificates, current continuing professional development, professional indemnity insurance and current and past financial year qualified audits.
“During its inspections, NSW Fair Trading identified certain information that requires further investigation to establish whether or not representations made by a real estate agency in relation to a number of recent sales were misleading,” Mason-Cox said.
“Agents who engaged in this illegal practice could face a maximum penalty of $22,000 or depending on the severity of the breaches an agency could have its license cancelled.”
He said that underquoting is a serious offence and that Fair Trading will not tolerate it.
“Not only does it seriously compromise the integrity of the real estate market, it puts enormous financial stress on innocent homebuyers,” he said.
Fair Trading’s results from Operation Balaya will continue to focus on underquoting and they have announced that enforcement action against those found to be non-compliant will be taken.
“From the 836 licences checked, 24 penalty infringement notices were issued valued at $27,100 for a range of breaches, including operating without a licence, failure to lodge an audit or complete continuing professional development before the renewal of a licence or certificate,” Mason-Cox said.
This is the 10th operation targeting the real estate industry across Sydney this year, with more than 762 agents visited and the licences or certificates of 1,342 agents sighted.
More than 59 penalty infringement notices have been issued – including for failing to have a licence and failing to supervise staff and business.
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Sydney agency under Fair Trading investigation for underquoting

<html><body>
A new Underquoting Advisory Panel was launched late last month by the Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA) with the aim of assisting the CEO and the Professional Standards Committee with progressing formal complaints about underquoting.
Effectively, they will look at the information and evidence to see whether it is sufficient to progress the complaint.
They mention that along with the legislation, the REISA requires members to provide an honest, researched and realistic appraisal of market value through the Code of Conduct.
Their official release notes that from “time to time” they are advised of possible instances of underquoting, and note that it can be “a very difficult complaints to manage and determine due to the various opinions and views on pricing representations with regard to selling real estate.”
The new panel will guide the initial complaint, subsequent referral and determination by the Professional Standards Committee.
They also referenced the <a href="/expert-insights/investing/victorian-election-real-estate-dramas-underquoting-and-election-stunts">previo</a><a href="/expert-insights/investing/victorian-election-real-estate-dramas-underquoting-and-election-stunts">usly mooted approach to underquoting that became an election issue last week</a>, noting that the South Australian legislation is even tougher than the suggested Victorian laws. In South Australia, the agent is required to give evidence of their genuine estimate to the vendor and the reserve is linked to the vendor’s acceptable price.
They also put out a reminder as to the rules of price guidance.
REISA considers that the following six examples are in breach of the legislation:
<ul>
<li>Offers considered over $400,000</li>
<li>Lots ranging from $400,000</li>
<li>Properties ranging from $400,000 to $1m</li>
<li>Price guide $400,000</li>
<li>Price guide $400,000 - $440,000</li>
<li>Advising purchasers of comparable sales (if one of the sales is less than the prescribed minimum advertising price and / or if the range of sales exceeds the 10% limit rule).</li>
</ul>
It is an offence to mislead on this matter which, in South Australia, can lead to a $20,000 fine, one year imprisonment, loss of commission and disqualification from being a registered agent or sales representative.
The four panel members have not all been officially announced but will include m3 Property’s Kym Dreyer and Herron Todd White director Bill Waterhouse.
An alternative suggestion to further regulating underquoting came from Miriam Sandkuhler. She suggests that <a href="/expert-insights/its-time-to-appoint-a-real-estate-ombudsman">a Real Estate Ombudsman is needed</a>.
{mijopolls 66}
</body></html>

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